67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko R-band light curve

Observational campaigns and theoretical investigations were performed to characterise 67P/C-G in terms of nucleus properties (e.g. size, surface colors, rotational period), gas and dust production, and plasma environment in preparation for the rendezvous with the spacecraft; however, there are still open questions which need to be addressed.

Our observations of 67P/C-G are important not only for good planning of the rendezvous of the ROSETTA spacecraft with 67P/C-G, but also provide valuable information on the basic physical properties of the nuclei of JFCs at large heliocentric distances. Moreover, this information will also help to identify to what extent 67P/C-G is a typical JFC.